I've been sporting the same thermal's for years. I typically have the "if it aint broke don't fix it" mentality but my thermals are literally running ragged. Before I invest in another set of thermals (wool cotton combo) is there any new base layer technology stuff that "you" use and "you" like and trust to keep you dry and warm?

Headed to Tenn. then Illinois, I like cold weather and know how to layer up for cold weather hunts but just wanting to see if there is anything new out there. Thanks in advance folks.

Consider MEDALIST...it is effective and won't cost you a ton! I've used it for about two years now, and it holds up well. It is made with a silver-thread material that helps reduce sweat odor and is easy to maintain.

Then there is always the big "U"....good stuff but costly!

The UnderArmor cold gear is some good stuff but is expensive. I bought mine when I found it at a store in the spring marked down 50%.

Medalist is good and the silver thread does reduce sweat odar, bu inhibiting growth of bacteria.

I don't know about dry, but UnderArmor cold gear keeps me plenty warm. I work outside and use the Level 2.0 base layer when the temp is below 50 degrees. I am able to stay outside with a long sleeved shirt (no jacket) into the 30's without getting uncomfortable.

+1, I picked up some Medalist base layers at Academy for a really good price and I really like them..Very tough and comfortable, since buying the base layers I went all out and just about all my camo is Medalist!!

Agree

Woolpower
http://www.kingofthemountain-direct.com/index.php?cPath=21

Rocky mid weight thermals from walmart it's like 35 bucks for top and bottoms. They wick moisture off your skin well and will keep you real warm for cheap.

UA is only good if you keep moving. If you plan on sitting on stand, it won't keep you warm. I recommend Justin Charles wool. I sometimes wear a very fine silk layer under my JC wool, and somtimes just the wool. I don'think I need to explain the insulating capabilities of wool, but I do recommend Justin Charles. I've had nothing but good success with it...and I just came from IA...last year I was spending hours sitting in a stand in single digit temps.

I use a pair of tights and "poly-pros='s" that the Army misplaced in my a-bag. I layer with tights, poly's then jeans on bottom. Top is the same two first layers and a t-shirt, long-sleeve T, buttoned shirt, light fleece, then bush-rags cover the entire frame. Good enough for Texas hunting (and usually too much).

UNtil a few years ago I scoffed at under armour. But Cold Gear is worth every penny.

I use and fully recomend using SILK thermals. Before you roll your eyes and close this reply thinking "That's only for them rich boys" read on. I've been using them for all of my outdoor activities for many years now and love it. I use it for hunting, fishing, rock climbing, mild mountaineering,snow skiing and any other outdoor activity in cold weather. It's extremely light which is important when layering. It's extremely thin which I particularly like because the bulky waist is uncomfortable to me. Also, being so thin they pack into a very small space. They also last a long time, but you must remember they're silk and aren't designed for streaking through the woods
They vary greatly in price depending on where you get them. REI has some some that have lasted my wife almost ten years and still look pretty good. Academy has some decent ones that aren't too much and have worked very well for me for about 5 years.

Eddie

I swear by Under Armour. It is the best. I own Medalist, Nike, among other thermals and base layers and none can even compare to UA. I rarely use my UA in Texas though. It has to be really cold before I put them on but DAYYUM they work.

Under Armour is the cats meow.. it really works well... I do the base layer (cold gear) which Ive had for several years (prior to the numbering of the layer system - IE 2.0 or 3.0).. that along with the UA sweatshirt and Im good to go..

Any store branded non cotton base layer is better then underarmour due strictly off price.

Personally I would get the cheapest non cotton you can find, there is a lot of good new technology coming out for baselayer next year

The knockoff brand Polar Edge will work, UA is okay, but if you are going to pay those prices might as well buy Sitka Gear....some places are having yearend Closeout sales and running Sitka gear at 50% off.

x2

Personally as of right now Sitka has some of the best deer hunting stuff on the market..as of this season : )

2011 is looking good too, got to try out some of the new models last month

I'm confused by all these new-fangled hunting clothes. Right now, for the coldest days, I'm wearing cotton long johns, then goose down underwear top and bottom, then camo coveralls, and finally, a hunting coat. This gets the job done, but my problem is when I have a long walk into my stand, I start sweating and get chilled. What should I replace this with, using new stuff, and what can I keep?

the problem is the cotton holds moisture, it doesn't draw it away...with the Sitka Gear (and other non-cotton thermals..it pulls moisture away into your other layers of clothing and gets it off of you), you can put on the base layer and a pair of their pants and light jacket and that had me comfy out west when the temps were single digit with a breeze blowing.

Thanks for the tip, rifleman, apparently Sitka is aware how confusing all this gear can be because I found on their website a "System Builder" where you input variables and get suggestions for base, insullation, outer, and accessories:

Sitka Gear System Builder

keep in mind b/c of their marketing location that most of their clothes are geared toward the dry climate out West. The good thing about it was when we came back into town from hunting on some days, I could go into stores and shop and go sit down at a restaurant without wanting to strip down from being too hot.

Looking at the Sitka Gear System Builder, it looks as if I could get by with just upgrading my cotton long johns with their base layer stuff, and continue using my goose down insulation and overalls and coat.

would probably work, but you may end up losing the insulation and wearing that with overalls and coat. The stuff will keep you warm and its very breathable.

http://www.high-mountain-outfitters.com/Sitka-Gear-Closeout_c171.htm

have to agree with the Under Armour guys. I picked some up while stationed in Korea last year and they deffinately work. i have been wearing them duck hunting this year and i'm staying alot more comfortable than previous years. Like anything else though layers are the key.